Photo: Maestro James Conlon and the LA Opera orchestra rehearsing for his final production, “The Magic Flute.” Photo credit: Cory Weaver.

Los Angeles Opera Music Director James Conlon, one of classical music’s most recognized and respected conductors today, has led the LA Opera for 20 of its 40 years since it was formed in 1986. He has been instrumental in elevating the LA Opera to the international status that it enjoys today. His tenure as Music Director with the institution will conclude at the end of this season, with him subsequently taking the title of conductor laureate. “The Magic Flute,” which is running until June 21, will be Conlon’s final production as Music Director with the LA Opera.

In his 20 years at the LA Opera, he has led over 500 performances of more than 70 works. He is known for his pre-performance talks that he gives before every opera he conducts. These popular talks explore the passion and relevance of opera and classical music throughout history.

One of his most notable projects at the LA Opera has been to bring attention to composers who were silenced by the Nazi regime and/or died in the Holocaust. Known as the “Recovered Voices” initiative, the LA Opera revived the works of these suppressed composers. The project led to the creation of Music Restored: The Ziering-Conlon Center for Exiled and Suppressed Composers at the Colburn School, where he serves as Artistic Director.

Prior to his position at the LA Opera, Conlon served as Principal Conductor of the Paris Opera, General Music Director of the City of Cologne, Germany, and Music Director of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra. He has also conducted over 270 performances at the Metropolitan Opera.

Among those who will miss him the most are the LA Opera musicians, some of whom have played with him since the beginning of his tenure. Below are a few statements from Local 47 members who have worked with Conlon as musicians for the LA Opera. All of us at the union wish him the best in his future endeavors.

John Walz, Principal Cello

“I have been the principal cellist with the LA Opera since 1992 and the past 20 years with Maestro Conlon have been truly special. I remember when the company was looking for another Music Director to succeed his predecessor, and I remembered seeing James conduct Tosca at the Met with Lucianno Pavarotti and Shirley Verrett – a Live From Lincoln Center production on PBS. I was so impressed with him then, and I thought to myself that it would be great if the company could get Conlon. So, I was elated when he was named as the new Music Director of the LA Opera.

You’d have to go far and wide to find anyone with the knowledge James possesses, not just about opera, but music in general. His pre-performance talks remain legendary and his energy unflagged. To this day, he and I will text each other about performances we heard on the Sirius/XM Met channel and say, ‘Did you hear that 1967 Aida with Leontyne – OMG!!!!’

I am a couple of productions away from retiring from the LA Opera – so this last run of Magic Flutes is especially memorable for me and, I’m sure, all the musicians.”

Armen Anassian, First Violin

“The most memorable productions from my 30-year tenure at Los Angeles Opera involve James Conlon. His work ethic and obvious love and respect for these operas were infectious.”

Heather Clark, Principal Flute

“Throughout his remarkable tenure at LA Opera, James Conlon has demonstrated a profound passion for opera and an exceptional commitment to sharing its beauty and significance with audiences. His deep expertise, inspiring musicianship, and boundless enthusiasm have left an enduring legacy on the company and all who have had the privilege of working with him.”